1968 – 1968 ‘self-titled’ EP Review

album by:
1968
Version:
EP

Reviewed by:
Rating:
4
On 7 January 2016
Last modified:7 January 2016

Summary:

A skilful combination of the early distorted sounds of Black Sabbath, and modern fast-tempo rock of Heavens Basement. If you’ve been looking out for a new Hard Rock band to start your year off right, adequately named ‘1968’ may be just the band for you.

1968 – ‘self-titled’ EP Album Cover

If you’ve been looking out for a new Hard Rock band to start your year off right, adequately named ‘1968’ may be just the band for you. Set to release their self-titled EP on Friday 15th January, I’ve been granted an early glimpse at all three tracks the band have to show us.

The band was formed over two years ago by Sam Orr – Guitarist, and J.R. – Vocalist, who met online through their shared musical passion. Once they made the commitment to make their ideas a reality, the pair were joined by Tommy Drury – Drums, and ‘The Bear’ – Bass.

In the same year we saw The Beatles, Hendrix and Creedence Clearwater Revival hit the charts, Psychedelic Rock reach its peak through Britain, and the formation of Led Zeppelin, it’s clear that 1968 is a serious year to aspire to, and very well-pegged to the sound these guys are producing.

The distinctive drum and bass rhythm and heavy distortion (or fuzz, as the band accurately promote it) is what makes these tracks so cool to listen to. The most notable track for me would be ‘HMS Conan’. This near nine-minute track contains so many layers, and lets each member of the band make their mark. Once you get the opportunity, this track takes such an incredible turn half way through, giving it a real ballsy punch.

1968 Promo Shot

For me, the album came across as a skilful mash of classic Black Sabbath, and early Heaven’s Basement, which ultimately provided an awesome youthful fast tempo kick among a well-respected and all-round heavy doom style everyone is familiar with.

This a fresh band of British Heavy Rockers, who rallied together with a shared ambition to produce music drawing from influential sounds developed in the late 60’s (which spurred the naming of the band), and the roaring, heavy sounds of the 1970’s. Although this young blood group weren’t around in the early days of Rock ‘n’ Roll, they’re certainly here now, and join the forces in keeping British Rock in full swing.

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out the band’s Facebook page HERE.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot of promotion out there for these guys at the moment, which is made even harder by the band name understandably generating millions of alternative links through search engines.

You can however find a few rehearsal clips through their Facebook page, so it’s worth dropping them a like, watch this space, and keep an eye out for the EP due for release on Friday 15th January 2016.

Track Listing:

Marauder
Green Sails
HMS Conan

facebook.com/1968Band

A skilful combination of the early distorted sounds of Black Sabbath, and modern fast-tempo rock of Heavens Basement. If you’ve been looking out for a new Hard Rock band to start your year off right, adequately named ‘1968’ may be just the band for you.

About Jamie Reader-Johnson

Regular gig-goer, with a passion for Rock, Blues, Country and Metal.